Press Release

California swing kings, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, get the party going with two New Year’s Eve shows (7 PM and 10:30 PM) at Walt Disney Concert Hall in their tradition of big band swing from a bygone era and kitschy charm. Adding to the evening are three sensational dancers in an eye-popping New Year’s Eve extravaganza that is not to be missed!

This year marked the release of the multi-platinum group’s eighth studio album, HOW BIG CAN YOU GET? A Tribute to Cab Calloway, that captures the essence of an American icon in a rowdy celebration of musicianship, mischief, genius, street smarts, and fun. This album is not only an illuminating revival of Cab Calloway’s songbook; the making of the album was also the revelation of a lifetime for the band as a whole, whose ensemble playing, arranging and interpretive powers were honed to an all-time high by the excellence of Calloway's songs.

Since their arrival on the music scene in 1993, in a legendary residency at Los Angeles’ Brown Derby nightclub, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s irresistible live show and aggressive, musically perceptive approach has proven them to be the singular standout among the numerous bands that launched the Nineties swing revival. The seven-man group forged a massively successful fusion of classic American sounds from jazz, swing, Dixieland and big-band music, building their own songbook of original dance tunes, and, sixteen years later, BBVD is a veteran force that adds new fans every time they play. Now, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s songs have passed into the classic American songbook, playing alongside pop standards in film and television.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, under the exciting new leadership of Gustavo Dudamel, presents the finest in orchestral and chamber music, recitals, new music, jazz, world music and holiday concerts at two of the most remarkable places anywhere to experience music – Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. In addition to a 30-week winter subscription season at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the LA Phil presents a 12-week summer festival at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. In fulfilling its commitment to the community, the Association’s involvement with Los Angeles extends to educational programs, community concerts and children's programming, ever seeking to provide inspiration and delight to the broadest possible audience.

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2009, 7 PM and 10:30 PM

WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

111 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles

BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY

SCOTTY MORRIS, bandleader, guitar

KURT SODERGREN, drums

DIRK SHUMAKER, string bass

ANDY ROWLEY, saxophone

GLEN ‘THE KID’ MARHEVKA, trumpet

KARL HUNTER, saxophone, clarinet

JOSHUA LEVY, piano

Tickets ($60-$175) are on sale now at the Walt Disney Concert Hall Box Office, online at LAPhil.com, or via credit card by phone at 323.850.2000. A limited number of $10 rush tickets for seniors and full time students may be available at the Walt Disney Concert Hall box office two hours prior to the performance. Valid identification is required; one ticket per person; cash only. Groups of 12 or more may be eligible for special discounts for selected concerts and seating areas. For information, please call 323.850.2000.